Reports have it that passengers were terrified because of this, and had to be evacuated after the animal escaped on an Iraqi Airways plane flying between Baghdad International Airport and Dubai International Airport on August 4.
Then on, the return flight to the Iraqi capital got delayed by 3 hours and 30 min, while some footage is circulating on social media, which captured the audio of the plane's captain wherein he is heard apologising to passengers for the disruption to their journey.
Another video that was recorded by a ground crew member, showing the bear wandering within the cargo. The footage also shows a staff member who managed to pet the beast's head, and calm it down.
Read more: Countries you can cover with affordable IRCTC packages
Iraqi Airways apologised to its passengers, although it added that it was not to be blamed for the animal's escape. The airline also added that the bear's transport was carried out in accordance with the law, and that standard procedures have been followed.
Iraqi Airways also stated, “The administration of the company apologises to the travellers of the flight from Baghdad International Airport to Dubai Airport... for reasons beyond the control of the company, regarding a shipment [a bear] in the cargo hold.”